The Gospel of Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Let us pray: Everlasting God, we give thanks for this new day as we focus on the Baptism of our Lord, let us remember our own Baptisms and our calling to be Christians. May we be filled with such joy as we believe in you that our hearts overflow with love for you and for all who we meet along our journey and help us to understand the mystery of the baptism of your Son. May we walk in your way, live our life for you and be mindful of your presence day by day. AMEN.
We see Jesus coming into the world. In these verses, we see Jesus’ reflection in human form. Jesus is not just a figurehead or a god on high; he is a human who is just like us. He is vulnerable and human, which makes him more relatable. Jesus’ coming into the world is a reflection of our own entrance into the world.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John was proclaiming the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John’s mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, to make his paths straight. He did this by preaching in the wilderness, where he attracted great crowds, by calling people to repentance, by baptizing, and by heralding the one who was to come. “It’s not about me.” That was the root of John’s message. He preached about someone else, someone who would come after him, whose sandal thongs John did not consider himself even worthy to tie. Those are especially important words today “It’s not about me.” We all have obligations to help and support one another. Remember the words of Matthew: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” As our world becomes more and more vulnerable, we need to heed those important words. We need to give the hungry food, we need to give drink to those that are thirsty, we need to cloth those who are cold. We need to accept the obligations of those who need our help. By helping those in need it allows us to find peace within our hearts. As we follow in John’s footsteps crying out as we prepare the way for the Lord. Remember “it’s not about me”. We need to prepare the way with hope and peace. We will with God’s help.
Let us Pray:
For John the Baptist preparing the way by repentance and Baptism we thank you.
For Jesus Christ proclaimed your Son by water and Spirit we thank you.
For Good News that Salvation has come to the earth we thank you.
For your love undeserved and graciously given we thank you.
For the Holy Spirit transforming and empowering lives we thank you.
For your promise of an eternity in which to praise you we thank you.
We Thank you for your Love of the world. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 